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25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE & SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION
DESIGN PROGRESSION
The Alpha A12 combines patented innovations from Shunyata Research’s critically acclaimed Hydra Triton and Hydra Typhon designs with transformative technologies developed from its heralded medical division products. It is least expensive, high-capacity model in the Performance Series.
Over the past 25 years, Shunyata Research has earned a reputation for producing the finest power distribution systems in the high-end audiophile market. From providing clean power for James Guthrie’s re-master of Dark Side of the Moon, or resolving subtle heart signals in medical imaging systems, Shunyata Research products have consistently provided transformational results. With the legacy of award winning products, Shunyata Research designer Caelin Gabriel set about combining 25 years of experience and scientific innovation to create a product line that delivers near reference performance levels, without the reference level prices.
The Alpha A12 has twelve outlets which makes it the ideal solution for large systems or for home theater systems. If you need high-capacity in a reasonably priced, high performance conditioner, the Alpha A12 is a great choice.
AWARDS & REVIEWS
“Speaking of dynamics — often, when a system’s delivery of power is suboptimal, noise can subdue dynamics. In this regard I found the performance of the Shunyata power-delivery system exemplary. Arabella Steinbacher’s recording of the Winter concerto of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, with Clemens Schuldt leading the Munich Chamber Orchestra (24/96 FLAC, PentaTone/Qobuz), exploded from a backdrop of near silence. This gave the music real life — that pop you hear from live music. The sound of Steinbacher’s violin was absolutely, pristinely clean at any volume I cared to play it. Not only did notes emerge from silence, they decayed back into silence naturally, with only the recording venue remaining audible to provide the sense of space around notes that gives them substance. In short, there was nothing in what I heard to jar me back into a different reality: the fact that I was sitting in my listening room at home, listening to a recording of music. In fact, I noted that the real limiting factor was my room — and my room’s acoustics are good.
– Jeff Fritz, SoundStage! Ultra
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“In the years since TWBAS 2009, I’ve noticed that Shunyata Research has increasingly focused on providing demonstrations of their products in which they also present measurements. Whether videos or white papers, Shunyata wants you not only to listen, but to pay attention to the science behind their products. I appreciate this. High-end audio has never been short on cable and power products that seem to be based on voodoo engineering. Shunyata wants you to know that they’re different, and they’ve gone to great expense to prove it.
– Jeff Fritz, SoundStage! Ultra
Read the full review: Hydra Alpha A12 Review w/Venom V10 NR
TECHNOLOGY
NIC™ TECHNOLOGY
The NIC™ (Noise Isolation Chamber) is a patented technology that reduces high frequency power line noise.
NICs™ use a non-reactive ferroelectric substance that actually absorbs high frequency noise. This reduces noise without any of the negatives associated with power filter coils, capacitors and transformers.
— Patent Number: US 8,658,892 —
CCI™ NOISE REDUCTION
Traditional power conditioners are designed to block incoming noise from outside the home, but do not address the noise that is generated by the electronic components themselves. In fact, most conditioners reflect noise back into other components connected to the power conditioner. CCI™ (Component-to-Component Isolation) is one of the most significant but often overlooked aspects to power system performance. The CCI™ filter consists of a proprietary multi-stage filter that reduces electrical noise and interference generated by a component’s power supply.
MONOLITHIC CONSTRUCTION
One of our fundamental design imperatives is to ensure life-long performance and durability. Long-term exposure to air can oxidize and corrode wiring and sensitive electronic components. All of the filters, PCBs, connections and internal wiring are contained within a monolithic enclosure and then potted with ceramic materials that hermetically seal the contents. This protects the circuits and wiring from humidity and oxidation, and eliminates internal vibration between components. This unique construction methodology delivers exceptional and consistent performance that will not degrade over time.
GP-NR Noise Reduction
Significant amounts of noise exist on the ground plane of power lines. The ground wires can act as antennae, picking up electrical noise that can degrade the performance or operation of the electronic components. Ground Plane Noise Reduction (GP-NR™) is a proprietary technology developed by Shunyata Research to significantly reduce ground-plane noise; improving low-level resolution and clarity. The system includes one to four terminals, depending on the model, to connect as many as 12 audio components. We offer several models of CGC chassis grounding cables each made to your custom length and termination requirements.
CABLE CRADLE
Shunyata Research introduces a unique solution for the problem of heavy high-end power cables. The Cable Cradle surrounds and supports the weight of the power cable, preventing it from pulling away from the outlet. This system is designed to ensure reliable and secure electrical connections.
SR-Z1 Outlets
SR-Z1 Outlets are built by Hubbell to Shunyata Research's exacting specifications. The SR-Z1 starts with an oversized protective housing that allows for exceptional internal cooling capacity. The extra cooling reduces heat buildup within the electrical contacts which reduces heat induced thermal noise. The electrical contacts are made from a high purity brass-copper alloy that is superior to the bronze used in common outlets. The neutral contacts have a triple-wipe design that contacts the AC plug at three different locations which decreases electrical impedance at the contact junction.
All SR-Z1 outlets undergo advanced cryogenic treatment using our on-site Cryogenics International computer controlled facility.
ArNi® Conductors
Shunyata Research’s ArNi® conductors are designed to be the finest quality wire available for power and audio purposes. They start life using the highest purity copper available – OFE C10100 (or Ohno single crystal). Then they are formed into “virtual hollow tubes” that we call VTX™. The core of the conductor is completely hollow forcing the current to only travel through the periphery of the conductor, therby eliminating skin effects and random eddy currents.
And finally, every ArNi® wire undergoes our proprietary KPIP™ process.
Electromagnetic Breaker
Over-current protection is a requirement for today’s high current audio power distributors. The vast majority of manufacturers use an inexpensive thermal fuse or breaker. Both are specifically designed to heat up as the current level rises. This causes voltage drops, increased contact impedance, thermal noise, excessive heat generation and current limiting effects. There is a better solution — the hydraulic electromagnetic breaker that utilizes low-impedance relays and a sensing coil that reads the current level without heating up or limiting current. They can operate right up the to the maximum current level without heating up or limiting instantaneous current. They are rarely used in competitive products since they cost 10-20 times that of a common fuse or thermal breaker.
After years of research into the negative effects of vibration, Shunyata Research developed its own vibration isolation using sub-miniature accelerometers that accurately measure the effects of floor and airborne sound waves. We use it in the development of vibration absorbing materials such as energy absorbing footers, AC outlet gaskets and chassis dampeners that reduce resonant vibration. Recognizing that vibration control is important to overall performance, our chassis are made with optimally dampened steel and aluminum, rather than plastic or thin-wall sheet metals.
KPIP™ PROCESSING
Shunyata Research’s proprietary Kinetic Phase Inversion Process includes four days of continuous KPIP™ processing to dramatically reduce burn-in time and significantly improve sonic performance, delivering a relaxed and life-like presentation.
Sonic Welding
Simple crimping, soldering, brazing and screws are all inferior methods of joining two wires or terminals together. Sonic welding uses high-energy sonic waves to literally join two metals together at a molecular level and cold-welding uses high-energy pneumatic pressure to bond metals. Shunyata Research uses both methods to secure connections that do not degrade over time.
Cryogenic Processing
Shunyata Research operates its own onsite Cryogenics International computer-controlled cryogenic plant. Liquid nitrogen is used to reduce the temperature of the contents to -320 degrees Fahrenheit. The computer monitors and lowers the temperature by a single degree at a time to prevent thermal shock.
We use this process to improve the performance of connectors and various electrical components that are used in our power products and signal cabling.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Maximum Voltage: Input Current Ratings: Output Current Ratings: Transient Suppression: Over-Current Protection: Wiring System: Ratings: 600 V 105° C Noise Suppression: |
Outlets & Connectors: US Outlets: 12 NEMA5-20R Vibration Control: Construction: GPNR: Dimensions: |
OUR ASSURANCES
RELIABILITY
Over more than 2 decades, the reliability and durability of Shunyata Research products has become a legendary attribute of the brand. Shunyata products are completely non-reactive and run cool to the touch. They do not hum, vibrate, buzz, or generate heat and do not require any ventilation. Despite heavy-use applications in studios, medical labs, and home environments, Shunyata Research products maintain an almost zero failure rate.
QUALITY
In an era of products that are mass-produced, Shunyata Research invests in training career craftsman who build our products by hand at our factory in Poulsbo, Washington. The exceptional fit, finish, and attention to detail has become a hallmark trait of Shunyata Research products going back to its inception in 1998. Shunyata Research has been building some of the finest power and cable products in the industry for more than twenty years. The commitment to building durable products that are designed to last a lifetime elevates our products to the top of their class.
SAFETY
Safety and quality control is job one at Shunyata Research. Before anything leaves the factory, we test each and every product thoroughly and carefully for safety and quality. This explains the long-term success of Shunyata Research products in the professional recording, medical, scientific, and consumer industries. Shunyata Research’s impeccable product safety and reliability track record for the past 23 years speaks for itself.
NO HUM — NO BUZZ — NO HEAT
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
